Jack Goes Confidential: Matt Damon Same Old (Same Old) in ‘JASON BOURNE’

Was I too stoked about Matt Damon’s return to the Bourne franchise?

Could be.

So it was that Jason Bourne certainly ranked high on my Must-See list of summer movie fare.

So if I come across negatively here, I sure don’t mean to. However my anticipation level was in overdrive—and THAT the picture did not deliver.

From a story standpoint we were transported from Athens, London and Berlin to Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas.

And yes, Matt Damon as iconic JASON BOURNE does finally uncover some major elements of his past—and IS hitting back.

However with the world facing unprecedented instability why is he now resurfacing into deadly situations while facing a new hunt on his life?

That’s what a major portion of the amnesia-based screenplay is all about.

In other words more of what we’ve seen before—yet with less dialogue from the stone-faced Bourne than ever before.

The highlight of JASON BOURNE comes during the film’s final act.

It’s when the action comes out of the shadows and hits the Las Vegas Strip.

And this folks, ISN’T make believe!

What we’ve got here is an incredible demolition derby-like action sequence for which the producers were able to get Clark County officials to agree to shut down a major portion of the mid-Strip section of Las Vegas Boulevard for several long nights of filming.

And it’s something to behold.

This spectacular and lengthy sequence ends up with cars smashing through the front entrance of the RIVIERA HOTEL.

Why did the hotel owners agree to it? Probably because the Riviera was set for demolition anyway.

It came down shortly thereafter.

Oh, and one more thing. JASON BOURNE reunites Matt Damon with his action director Paul Greengrass who loves the quick-shot edits and has a great eye for intense action.

The problem for me is that Greengrass (United 93) loves the hand held camera effect.

And he uses it with full force in this movie.

I almost felt dizzy at times. Personally I prefer tripods and/or camera cranes.

Maybe that’s just me…..

Will there be future installments in the franchise? There sure could be as the ending could very well link to more BOURNE in the future.

Of course, box office results usually make the final call in these decisions.

JASON BOURNE co-stars Alicia Vikander, Julia Stiles and Tommy Lee Jones as C.I.A. director Robert Dewey.

My grade: B-

(Reviewed at B&B’s Overland Park 16)

JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings during Kansas City’s Morning News at 7:40 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. on 98.1 FM, KMBZ.